PROCESS:

University Ownership and Access

• While KSU encourages the use of email and respects user privacy, email messages and all data within the University Email System are the property of KSU.
• There should be no expectation of privacy or confidentiality for messages and documents stored on KSU-owned equipment.
• KSU management may access email accounts for legitimate institutional purposes. Access for the following reasons requires prior approval from the Office of the General Counsel or the President:
• oRetrieving business-related information.
• oInvestigating reports of violations of KSU policy or law.
• oComplying with legal requests for information (e.g., subpoenas or open records requests).

Status as a Public Record

• Email constitutes a public record and is subject to disclosure under the Commonwealth of Kentucky Open Records Act and other applicable laws.
• Email also constitutes a university record subject to KSU's records retention policies.

Sanctions for Violations

Violations of this policy or its implementing regulation may result in the restriction of access to KSU technology resources, in addition to any disciplinary action applicable under other university policies, up to and including dismissal.

Implementation

The specific rules for account creation, security, acceptable use, and lifecycle management are detailed in the Email Management and Use Regulation.

REFERENCES AND RELATED MATERIALS:

• KSU Email Management and Use Regulation
• KSU Appropriate Use of Technology Policy
• Kentucky Open Records Act
• KSU Open Records Policy

CONTACTS: